Prima Smallgoods is continuing its support for Athletics with monthly product donations to national squad athletes training in Goroka , Port Moresby , East New Britain and NCD. Pictured is Prima’s Lae based Events Co Ordinator Brian Waongo handing the latest supply to national athletes Ongan Awa , Edna Boafob and Scholastica Herman.

With a busy period of international events behind it, Athletics PNG is now focusing on its domestic Programme of events for the remainder of the year. The East New Britain association is hosting the PNG Air NGI Regional Championships at Vuvu Secondary school on September 23/24. West New Britain are preparing to send a large team along the New Britain Highway next week to attend this event. New Ireland have also confirmed their intention to participate, as have the Autonomous Region of Bouganville. Invitations have also been sent to Primary and Secondary Schools in ENB and a very good turnout is expected. Meanwhile the Port Moresby Athletic Association are gearing up to stage the PNG Air Southern Region Championships at the Sir John Guise Stadium on the weekend of October 1 and 2. Schools in NCD have been invited to participate, long with teams representing the various athletics clubs in the City and a team from the Central Province Schools Association. Participating teams for both events are encouraged to nominate their Para athletes so that events can be added to the programme according to demand. Entry forms, competition rules and a draft timetable for each of these Championships are on the Athletics PNG website and can also be obtained through email png@mf.worldathletics.org. Any queries can be directed to Athletics PNG on 71290002. Following these two events , teams will have two months to prepare their athletes for the National Championships which will be held at the Sir John Guise Stadium from December 9 to 11.

Samarai-Murua MP and Tourism, Arts & Culture Minister Hon. Isi Henry Leonard was officially sworn-in during the 10th Milne Bay Provincial Assembly in Alotau on Friday. Hon. Leonard, re-elected for a second term by the people of Samarai-Murua was the final member of Milne Bay Parliamentary leaders to be sworn in at the provincial assembly. His four provincial colleague leaders headed by Governor Hon. Gordon Wesley, Esa’ala MP Jimmy Maladina, Kiriwina-Goodenough MP Douglas Tomuriesa and Alotau Open MP Ricky Morris were all sworn in earlier last Thursday when the assembly sat for the first time after the 2022 national general elections. Senior Provincial Magistrate Wialo Sakatao carried out the swearing in ceremonies at the provincial assembly on both days. Hon. Leonard has been rewarded the same portfolio as Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture by Prime Minister James Marape recently. In his remarks at the provincial assembly, he highlighted among other things the need for economic independence within his district and Milne Bay province. He said bigger mines in the country could be shared with investors but smaller mines like Woodlark and Missima Islands was something he was pursuing to be nationalized. “On Jommard passage I was fortunate with Esa’ala MP Jimmy Maladina to visit the National Maritime Service Authority and there we saw on screen how many ships and vessels pass through the passage,” Hon. Leonard said. Adding that on a normal basis there were more than 18 to 20 vessels but on peak periods it would go up from 40 to 60 vessels. He said opportunities were there to harness and commercialize the Jommard passage. Minister Leonard has been in discussions with the Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Hon Walter Schnaubelt to take ownership and commercialize the opportunity presented by Jommard passage. “We the provincial government, and the people of Samarai-Murua and even other districts like Kiriwina-Goodenough and Esa’ala will all benefit from it,” he said. Meantime on the issue of Conflict Group of Islands in his district, he said that Standing Orders in Parliament did not allow him to ask questions as a minister, therefore he could not raise the issue on the floor but as soon as it appeared, he wrote a letter to Prime Minister James Marape regarding the issue. Hon. Leonard also met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Lands and Physical Planning Hon. John Rosso last week to discuss the matter. Indicating that Hon. Rosso had summoned the Conflict Islands owner Mr Ian Gowrie-Smith to report to the Lands Minister, so they could resolve the matter. “The idea is simple, we are taking back our island, so that our people can benefit from it. “We would like to protect it, make it a marine conservation area, so we protect our marine environment and at the same time harness it for tourism purposes.” Hon. Leonard said. He also echoed the importance for all Milne Bay leaders to work together in this term of parliament to address law and order among other sectors to create change and tangible development for their people. Governor and Chairman of the Provincial Assembly Hon. Wesley including Open MPs Hon. Tomuriesa, Hon. Maladina and Hon. Morris shared similar sentiments on the need to work together to curb law and order and to create a conducive environment for the province to thrive in all sectors of development. The swearing in ceremony for all MPs in Milne Bay province is part of the process to kick start the provincial assembly and its business for this term of parliament, similar to all provinces throughout the country

The Kumul Petroleum PNG Barramundis were back in action at Amini Park yesterday 11th of September as international cricket returns to PNG. The first match between PNG Barramundis and the USA ended in a match tie. USA: 10/205 after 47 overs PNG: 10/205 after 49.5 overs Cricket PNG is hosting USA and Namibia as part of the ICC CWCL2 series, a pathway event to the next ICC One Day International World Cup in 2023. This is the first international cricket in Port Moresby since 2018. Kumul Petroleum Barramundis Captain, Assad Vala was excited “ it is great to be finally playing back home in front of our family, friends and fans. It has been a long time; all the team are excited to have the home crowd support and to play good entertaining cricket in front of our supporters”. Source: Cricket PNG 

Save the Children together with the Gulf Provincial Health Authority (GPHA) and Oil Search Foundation have completed a week long COVID-19 Vaccine awareness Training for Health Care Workers in Kikori district Gulf province. A total of 36 health workers consisting of 13 females from rural aid posts, health centers and urban clinics attended the district training. The training was aimed at making sure health workers understood well aspects of the COVID-19 vaccine so they can go back to their communities to help increase the uptake of the vaccine. Kikori District Health Manager Kunsy Donnie highlighted that there were over 200 health workers in the district however a less number has been vaccinated which is a concern. He said the training was important to reduce risks in the communities. "Out of the 200plus health workers in the district, we have about 10% who have been vaccinated. The training is important because when the health workers go out to their communities, they will be agents of change". Danny also thanked the Gulf PHA, Oil Search and Save the Children for making the training a reality for the district. Following the training, 6 health workers themselves got their first jobs whilst 7 others for their second and booster shots. Amongst them was twenty-six-year old Community Health Worker (CHW) Corazon Yowat who decided to get the vaccine. She took the vaccine because if she was down who would treat the patients. She said, "I decided to take the vaccine because COVID-19 not only affects the respiratory system but all parts of the body. And as a CHW I think it is important for me to take the vaccine because if I'm sick who else will treat the patients". The topics covered in the training included the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, how COVID affects the human anatomy, how to vaccinate a patient, treatment, and management of COVID-19, interpersonal communication, and planning and monitoring. The training is the second to be held in Gulf province, the first one was held in June in Kerema. These trainings are one of many activities Save the Children is carrying out together with PHAs and partners under its Risk Communication & Community Engagement (RCCE) project which is supported by UNICEF.

The Canberra Raiders sent Melbourne packing from the 2022 premiership race with a 28-20 upset at AAMI Park on Saturday night. Ricky Stuart’s team has now beaten Melbourne five times in a row at AAMI Park and they move on to play the Eels in another sudden-death clash next weekend. After defending their line stoutly for several sets early on, the Raiders cracked the Storm when Joseph Tapine put Jack Wighton into the back field with a delicate offload. Wighton pinned his ears back and then ofloaded a pass which was touched by Nick Meaney before landing in the hands of Xavier Savage who sent it on to Matt Timoko, the centre taking on Cameron Munster and powering over in the right corner for a 4-0 lead. On the back of their third six-again call in the opening 15 minutes the Storm went left and Kenny Bromwich put in a grubber which Savage was forced to knock it dead to hand the home side a fresh set. From there it was ball-players Munster and Jahrome Hughes creating space on the right for Marion Seve to put Xavier Coates away on a 20-metre run to the corner for his 14th try of the season. Four minutes later it was Caotes doubling his tally on the back of brilliant lead-up work by Hughes, who spotted Jordan Rapana in off his wing and chipped over for his winger to touch down and the Storm led 8-4. It took the Raiders just 10 minutes to hit back and reclaim the lead when halfback Jamal Fogarty took the first pass of a scrum 10 metres out and brushed off Meaney, Justin Olam and David Nofoaluma to score. In the 35th minute Tapine capped a magnificent first half when he put Elliott Whitehead over from close range with another deft offload and the Green Machine was in overdrive at 16-8. Munster and Hughes combined again in the 45th minute to put Seve away down the right side, the centre passing back to Munster who found Coates to power away for his second hat-trick of the season. Munster converted to make it 16-14. A high tackle by Tapine on Hughes in the 50th minute handed Munster a penalty shot to equal the scores but he pushed it wide. The Storm regained the lead in the 57th minute when a rampaging Nelson Asofa-Solomona took a pass from Grant 10 metres out and proved unstoppable to make it 20-16 with Munster's conversion. With 15 minutes to play it was Wighton nudging a left foot kick into the in goal for Hudson Young to beat Munster to the ball and lock the scores up before Fogarty converted for 22-20 to Canberra. The Raiders launched a raid down the left side with five minutes to play and Jordan Rapana made the most of a stroke of luck after a pass rebounded off Kris' head and into the in goal area. Fogarty's ice cool conversion made it 28-20 to the visitors and the upset was complete. The Green Machine are riding a five-game winning streak and will go into their sudden-death clash against Parramatta on Friday full of confidence while the Storm are left to reflect on a season hampered by injuries to key players like Ryan Papenhuyzen, Christian Welch and Reimis Smith.   Source: NRL.com

Commissioner of Police David Manning said Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second, has been a constant presence and beacon of hope for Papua New Guinea as it took its first step as an independent nation 47 years ago. “Sadly, as Papua New Guinea gears up for our 47th independence anniversary celebrations we have learnt of the passing of our Head of State, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second. “The Royal family has enjoyed a long and close history with Papua New Guinea and especially the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary. Papua was annexed by Great Britain in 1884. In 1939 King George VI saw fit to grant the prefix “Royal” to the Royal Papuan Constabulary in recognition of the long and meritorious service of the local people in the service of the administration. “On 2nd June 1953, 25 members of the Royal Papua and New Guinea Constabulary represented the territories and attended the coronation of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. “Her Majesty was the longest serving monarch and has been an integral part of Papua New Guinea and the Constabulary’s growth and development over the last 47 years. “On behalf of the 6,000 members of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary around the country I extend our deepest condolences to the Royal Family and the Government and people of the United Kingdom,” Commissioner Manning said.

Prime Minister James Marape has appealed to people to take extra care following the massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake which between Morobe and Eastern Highlands this morning. Such was the magnitude of the earthquake that it was also felt in Port Moresby and other parts of the country. PM Marape said national and provincial disaster agencies, as well as leaders, had been asked to assess the scale of damage and injuries to people and attend to these as soon as possible. PM Marape said the PNG Defence Force and Police had also been put on alert to respond to emergencies if needed. “I am very concerned about the impact of this massive 7.7 earthquake which struck between Morobe and Eastern Highlands, and appeal for calm among our people,” he said. “My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. “I also appeal to our people to help each other where you can in this time. “National and provincial disaster agencies, as well as leaders, have been asked to assess the damage and injuries to people and attend to these as soon as possible. “Initial reports are that dormitories at the University of Goroka have been extensively damaged and we are also assessing Lae, Bulolo, Markham and Huon Gulf districts in Morobe; Kainantu and Goroka districts in Eastern Highlands; the Bulolo, Highlands and Ramu highways; Yonki Hydro Power Station; and mine areas in Bulolo and Kainantu; among others. “I appeal to people living in coastal areas to move to higher ground. “The PNG Defence Force and Police have also been put on alert to respond to emergencies and put in place our response plan with a meeting being convened at our disaster response centre at Morauta House. At 3pm today I will announce our interim response plan to the nation whilst awaiting full assessments.”

A big fight erupted on Kiriwina Island, Milne Bay Province yesterday where a man was killed and others receiving treatment at Losuia Health Centre. 3 will be referred to Alotau General Hospital and 8 are been treated at the Losuia Health Centre. The fight erupted after a Grand Final Soccer Match at Losuia Station between Losuia Team and Muloseda team. The supporters of the teams stormed the nearby village, Gameta and caused entensive damage to homes and properties. Milne Bay Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Peter Barkie spoke to this news room and said that he is aware of the fight and his team are departing alotau for Losuia. They should arrive by this afternoon on the island. Meanwhile, situation is still tense on the Island.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has announced a 10-day mourning period for Papua New Guinea (PNG) as per the program put forth by Buckingham Palace for all Commonwealth countries to pay their respects and tributes to late Queen Elizabeth II, following her recent passing. Marape, in his condolence speech he made at the Government House in Port Moresby, said the PNG has lost her Queen and the country will pay its respects accordingly. “Our deep expression of sympathy for the loss of a steady figure in our nationhood for 46 going 47 years now,” said the PM. “She was Queen of our country, she was head of state, she was the anchor for many of our activities in as far as running our sovereignty is concerned.” Marape also announced that the 10- day mourning period will see all government businesses suspended in respect of the late Queen. “For our country, I ask all of us for the mourning period to fly our flags half mast, to contain our activities with respect with the passing of the head of our state. In the next day or so, I will be announcing to our country what activities will take place in memory of the head of state,” said the PM. Marape along with the Governor General, Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae, will be heading over to London in England during this period for the funeral and to meet with the new King, King Charles III. The PM’s scheduled appointment to meet with the King will be on the 16th of September, which coincidently falls on PNG’s Independence Day. Meanwhile, the PM also announced that the Government House will be open to the public, heads of missions who are here in the country, public servants, members of parliament and ministers to pay their respects and tributes to the late Queen. He said the Condolences Book will be put at Government House for the length of the 10- day mourning period sanctioned by Buckingham Palace. “We will allow the book only to be here and for those who want to sign and offer sympathy symbolically on our condolences book, you must make your way to our Government House,” said Marape.

Nathan Cleary has produced an all-time great finals performance to take Penrith to within a win of their third straight NRL decider with a 27-8 victory over Parramatta. In a sparkling start to the NRL finals, Cleary stole the show with a brilliant 10-minute period in the second half to take the qualifying final away from the Eels. On return from his five-match ban for a dangerous tackle, the NSW No.7 terrorized the Eels with his kicking game and had a hand in all four Penrith tries. An ugly head knock for halfback Mitch Moses, who looked rattled after being collected trying to make a tackle, added to Parramatta's woes. Team stats But by that point, the Panthers were already well on top with the Eels' staring down the barrel of another do-or-die semi-final. Cleary three times forced errors out of Eels winger Waqa Blake, who had a nightmare trying to field his former teammate's bombs. The Panthers' first try came off Blake's first error, allowing Moses Leota to put Brian To'o over after a spilled bomb. Cleary also nailed a 30-metre field goal on halftime for a 7-6 lead, before exploding into action when the Eels took a one-point lead early in the second half. Sensing Blake was down on confidence, Cleary again forced an error out of the former Panther with another towering kick that hung in the air for several seconds. From the ensuing set, the Panthers No.7 swung the play to the right, gave Stephen Crichton space with early ball and helped him put Brian To'o over. Cleary then grubber-kicked early for Dylan Edwards to score eight minutes later, before dummying his way into space and putting James Fisher-Harris over in the next set. And just like that, it was 25-8 and the game was done. Parramatta now find themselves in the same spot they have been in four of the past five years, with a match against Melbourne or Canberra next Friday to advance to a preliminary final. A loss would otherwise continue their horror run in semi-finals, where they have been eliminated in 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Whether they will have Moses available is also in question, with a seven-day turnaround meaning he will need clearance from an independent neurologist if diagnosed with concussion. Moses had earlier kicked nicely in the first half before his injury, while Reed Mahoney was one of the Eels' best as he put Oregon Kaufusi over for the Eels' only try. Penrith also have some concerns. Winger Taylan May left the field with a leg injury late in the match, after also being sin-binned for a high shot early on after controversially being allowed to play by the NRL. Prop Spencer Leniu was also placed on report for a high shot on Isaiah Papali'i, with anything greater than a grade-one charge set to see him at risk of missing matches. Source: ABC News

The Prime Minister, James Marape, MP announced yesterday that he will miss the country’s Independence Celebration, next Friday, 16 September 2022. He advised following the signing of the book of condolence at the government house today that he will be in London for the official mourning period, and the funeral service. “About three years ago, all realm countries were advised of very specific details of the program involving heads of governments and heads of states when our queen dies. This somber and solemn occasion is now before us. These prior sealed plans have now been revealed and activated for our collective participation. I will be travelling to London to be part of the official mourning and funeral program next week.” The Prime Minister will travel to London together with the Governor General, Sir Bob Dadae to participate in the official mourning period, the lying in State, and the funeral service of the late monarch, Queen Elisabeth II, before a private burial. “It would be my honor to represent our people in the islands, the mountains, the valleys, and the rivers to convey our deepest condolences to the Royal family on this sad occasion of the passing of the queen of Papua New Guinea. And while it would mean missing the important 47th Independence Celebrations, it is a monumental time, as a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, to be in London to mark the changing of guard in Buckingham Palace.” The program also provides an opportunity for the Prime Minister and the Governor General to meet King Charles III to express our collective grief at the passing of his mother, and to also offer our congratulations at his ascension to the throne. “The Governor General and I, together with our spouses, are scheduled to meet King Charles III on 16 September 2022. Ironically, the then Prince Charles represented Her Majesty at the Independence Day in 1975. I will get an opportunity, on behalf of all the people of Papua New Guinea, to congratulate him on his ascension to the throne on our 47th Independence Anniversary.” The Deputy Prime Minister Honorable John Rosso will be the acting Prime Minister during the period when the Prime Minister is away and will preside over the 47th Independence Celebrations next week.